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Report and Testimonies

God stirred the hearts of more than five hundred fathers to take time from their jobs and gather for the Dads’ Conference in Indianapolis from January 31–February 4, 2007. This event was far more than just a conference. These men experienced the presence of God in a remarkable way.

Together they discovered the power of God’s Spirit in personal victory, supernatural healings, and triumphant singing as the men came together in “one accord,” just as believers did in the early Church. (See Acts 2:1.) The fellowship molded the group into an army of men committed to walking in the power of God’s truth and love. As a result of this conference, lives, marriages, families, and ministries are now being transformed!

The Holy Spirit at Work

A father gave this report: “Following the openness, honesty, and brokenness of the men’s testimonies, we assembled in groups of three to five to pray for each other. The Holy Spirit we felt during the time of testimonies came upon us again, and I felt like I was entering into the hearts of those I was praying for and with. Their needs became my needs, and my needs became theirs.

“We poured out our hearts for each other—our chairs were watered with tears for our brothers in Christ. We were one in spirit, and I arose from these times with a greater love for my wife and children than I have ever known.”

A dad from Texas wrote, “The presence of God was so strong and the Holy Spirit so present, that I felt like I wept for four days. I am eager to see what this experience will do for my family.”

Powerful Singing and Worship

A father from Michigan gives an account of what he experienced: “Singing to the Lord with six hundred men in unity is something I will remember for the rest of my life. It was like a prelude of the time when we will sing to our Savior in heaven.”

Even after the conference, his heart sang for joy. “I was driving at 2:30 a.m. singing More Love to Thee with tears flowing down my cheeks and realizing how much my Savior loves me.”

Confirming Words From Families

A mother from California shares, “My husband came back greatly blessed and really Spirit-filled! It has already made a huge difference in many ways for our family!”

A daughter from Wyoming rejoices in her father’s experience: “My dad returned from the conference changed. I had not realized how discouraged he had become over the past couple of years, but now I have my daddy back and I’m so grateful.

“At the conference he returned to his first love, Jesus Christ, and it has changed the entire atmosphere of our home. I am not kidding. There are seven people here who benefited—a lot!”

Going From ‘Zero to Hero’

A father from Minnesota experienced God’s transforming power at the conference. “At the beginning of the conference Bill Gothard stated, ‘You will not have vibrant children if you have no burden to win souls.’ I was cut to the heart by my lack of genuine love for others. During the conference, it was like I fell in love with the Lord all over again.

“When I got back to my office, an employee told me about some traumatic issues in his life. I shared with him the real Resolution, Jesus Christ.

“As I shared the Gospel message, he openly wept under the realization of his eternal destiny without God as his Lord and Master, and he asked how to get saved. I showed him Scriptures about salvation and led him in a prayer of genuine repentance and acceptance of Jesus.

“I e-mailed a report of this exciting event to my family, and my daughter responded, ‘You are so cool.’ As Chris Hogan says, I went from ‘zero to hero’ in the eyes of my daughter in seconds.

“When I came home, our family rejoiced in the salvation of this man. My children’s enthusiasm for the Lord was noticeably evident as a result of seeing God work through their dad.

“Shortly after dinner I got a voice mail from this employee. He said, ‘I am at home and reading the Bible as you suggested. I would like to take you up on your offer and get together soon so I can learn more.’ I played the message for my family, and they all cheered and we thanked the Lord together. What an experience!”

Finding Freedom in the Light

Another father shares this testimony: “It is unbelievable what the Lord did in my heart at the Dads’ Conference. I was convicted that I needed to share my secret sins with my wife. I found it very difficult to commit to doing this, but when I did, I was set free from bondage that had been in my life for forty years. I am free!

“When I shared my secret sins with my wife, I expected rejection and pain to be her reaction. Instead, she expressed her love for me and joy at what God was doing.

“We have a new oneness with each other, and my walk with the Lord is at a much deeper level than I ever imagined possible. I wake early before my alarm sounds and delight in God’s Word. I then share His treasures with my family at our morning wisdom search.

“The freedom I am experiencing is beyond anything I have known since I received Christ thirty-seven years ago.”